Recurrent miscarriage

Some problems in the uterus (womb) can be rectified with surgery. Issues surrounding extra tissue that divides the uterus, fibroids or scar tissue can be addressed. By correcting the shape inside the uterus, we may lower the chance of miscarriage. A camera (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina to repair the issue in the uterus.

Women with an autoimmune issue may benefit low-dose aspirin or clexane. When taken during pregnancy, these medications may lower the risk of a miscarriage. However, this may increase the chances of serious bleeding, so it is vital that you discuss your suitability for this pathway with Dr Joseph first.

A recurrent miscarriage may be related to a different medical problem, such as abnormal blood sugar levels, the thyroid gland, or high levels of the hormone prolactin. Treating these conditions may improve the chances of a successful full-term pregnancy.

The translocation of chromosomes can cause fetuses with chromosome imbalances resulting in a higher chance of miscarriage. Bloodwork can be studied to identify a chromosomal problem. There are cases in which couples with translocations conceive a healthy pregnancy naturally, but fertility treatments, such as IVF, may be recommended to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy.

Improving the chance of a healthy pregnancy can be done by stopping cigarette smoking and illicit drug use altogether and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. it is also important to try to stay within a healthy weight.

Some congenital problems of the uterus have been linked to recurrent miscarriages. The most common of these associated with miscarriage is a septate uterus. In these situations, the uterus is partially divided by a wall of tissue.

A second issue, known as Asherman syndrome, sees adhesions and scarring form in the uterus, which can also cause recurrent miscarriages. The miscarriage will often occur before the woman even knows she is pregnant in these situations. Other conditions which may play a role in recurrent miscarriages are fibroids and polyps.

Roughly 50–75% of women will find no cause for their pregnancy loss. This frustrating situation may reveal certain clues as to what could be causing the issue, but no certain answer is found in these cases.

Genetic counselling and genetic testing will clarify your options if you have a chromosome translocation. IVF with special testing called preimplantation genetic diagnosis is often used to select unaffected embryos.